Would a higher dose make a difference?

Would a higher dose make a difference?

Dr. Von Roenn, from the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University in Chicago, commented that “this is a well-conceived and well-implemented trial.”

She noted that it adds to a relatively small number of studies that have assessed pharmacologic therapy for cancer-related fatigue.

She added, however, that, “one question I have related to the modafi nil study is whether or not a higher dose might in fact make a greater difference.” The findings suggest that the drug will probably not be useful for prevention, at least at the dose tested, she said.

Dr. Von Roenn encouraged ASCO attendees not to forget the benefits of exercise, which improves multiple symptoms and even reduces the risk of recurrence of some cancers. “But as we all know, those studies are very difficult to complete, in part because unfortunately it’s easier to give people a medication than to change lifestyle,” she commented.

Finally, she said that the lack of understanding of the etiology of cancerrelated fatigue is a major barrier to its treatment. “Until we understand the pathogenesis [of fatigue], we are unlikely to have an effective therapy.”